Materials application apparatus

ABSTRACT

A modular imaging electrode assembly for supplying liquids in automated imaging machines. The unit has a tank holding a roller coupled to an electrical source. The roller is driven past a liquid applying and leveling apparatus and then contacts an imaging member of the machine in which it is located. The tank which is elevated into and out of contact with the member of the machine has two or more sections. The first houses the apparatus to apply liquid to the roller and the second has cleaning brushes in it to remove any materials remaining on the roller. The sections are separated by squeegees for preventing material in the one section from effecting that in another.

Waited States tet 1 3,687,109

Egnaczak 1 Aug. 29, 1972 [54] MATERIALS APPLICATION 3,352,279 1l/1967Lockwood ..1 18/261 X APPARATUS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [72]Inventor: Raymond K. Egnaczak, Williamson,

NY. 1,176,528 8/1964 Germany ..1 18/203 [73] Assignee: XeroxCorporation, Rochester, NY. a Emminer John McIntosh 22 Filed; 14 19 9Attorney-James J. Ralabate, David C. Petre and Barry Jay Kesselman [21]Appl. No.: 876,643

[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl. ..118/637, 118/203, 118/262, A modularimaging electrode assembly for Supplying Int Cl B0 liquids in automatedimaging machines. The unit has a I o 0 a u v l a all [58] Field Search18,202 %g The roller is driven past a liquid applying and levelingapparatus and then contacts an imaging member of 56 R f Cted the machinein which it is located. The tank which is 1 e erences elevated into andout of contact with the member of UNITED STAPIES PATENTS the machine hastwo or more sections. The first houses the apparatus to apply liquid tothe roller and 3,427,242 2/1969 Mlaajlov ..204/3OO the Second hascleaning brushes in it to remove any 1,170,520 2/1916 Enckson et "Us/203X materials remaining on the roller. The sections are 2,125,336 8/1938Ettl", ..118/203 Separated by Squeegees for preventing material in the2,303,171 11/ 1942 Morrison ..118/203 one Section from effecting that inanothen 2,644,975 7/1953 Verba ..1 18/203 X 3,042,968 7/ 1962 Kraszeski..1 18/203 UX 26 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDwczs I972 SHEU 1 [IF5 INVENTOR. RAYMOND K. EGNACZAK A 7' TORNEY PATENTEDwszeusvz 3581109snmunrs This invention relates to imaging systems and more particularlyto liquid application tank assemblies.

Recently, a new invention was disclosed for forming black and white orfull color images through the use of photoelectrophoresis. Theinventions described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,384,488; 3,384,566 and3,383,993 disclose a system where photoelectrophoretic particles migratein image configuration providing a visual image at one or both of twoelectrodes between which the particles are placed in suspension. Theparticles are photosensitive and apparently undergo a net change incharge polarity or a polarity alteration by interaction with one of theelectrodes upon exposure to activating electromagnetic radiation. Noother photosensitive elements or materials are required; hence, thisprovides a very simple and inexpensive imaging technique. Mixtures oftwo or more differently colored particles can secure various colors ofimages. Particles in these mixes may have overlapping or separatespectral response curves and are usable in subtractive color synthesis.The particles will migrate from one of the electrodes under theinfluence of an electric fieldwhen struck with energy of a wavelengthwithin the spectral response of the colored particles.

Apparatus has been invented to better utilizes the above process. Forexample, a continuous imaging machine was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,427,242 depicts apparatus for utilizing the photoelectrophoreticprocess of the above patents. Copending application Ser. No. 876,976filed on Nov. 12, 1969, in the names of Raymond K. Egnaczak and Gina F.Squassoni and entitled Automated Imaging Machine is a more sophisticatedembodiment of a machine utilizing the new process to produce true colorreproductions of original documents or the like. In order to form aparticularly good image with the apparatus described therein one or moreimaging electrodes must interface with the injecting electrode orimaging member under the proper conditions for photoelectrophoreticimaging to occur. This must be accomplished automatically and preciselywith proper components engaged for processing to be achieved.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to improve imagingelectrode mechanisms. Another object is to improve tanks used for liquidapplication and removal.

Another object of this invention is to automatically provide imagingsuspension at the imaging member under the proper photoelectrophoreticconditions.

Still another object of this invention is to apply liquids to and cleansurfaces.

Yet another object of this invention is to supply imaging suspensionready for imaging between electrodes of a photoelectrophoretic imagingsystem.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by providinga tank with means to supply liquids to a surface for bringing the liquidto a work station. Means are included to prevent used liquids fromremaining on the surface. Means are provided to move the tank holdingthe surface and application andcleaning components into and out of thework station.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art after reading the .following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a machine forforming photoelectrophoretic images;

FIG. 2 is a plan view partially broken away to show hidden parts of theimaging electrode assembly and tank;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view, with hidden parts dotted, of the imagingelectrode module;

FIG. 5 is a side view, with hidden parts dotted, of the imagingelectrode module as viewed from the side opposite FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned view taken along line 66 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of theapparatus; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the controls for the parts of FIG. 7.

The invention herein is illustrated and described in a preferredenvironment embodiment operating in cona junction with other apparatusto automatically and continuously produce images of predeterminedoptical objects. Nevertheless, the invention need not be confined tosuch an embodiment and should be construed broadly within thelimitations of the claims. It may be that other processes or apparatuswill be invented having similar needs to those fulfilled by theapparatusdescribed and claimed herein and it is the intention herein todescribean invention for use in other apparatus than in the embodiment shown.Various specific apparatus is described for accomplishing a particularfunction, but any equivalent structure can be substituted and still bewithin the scope of the invention.

OPERATION OF BASIC PI-IOTOELECTROPHORETIC SYSTEM A detailed descriptionof the operation and theories relating to the actual imaging systemautomated by this invention and discussing the interaction of thephotoelectrophoretic particles in the suspension used for imageformation is found in the above cited patents. The imaging systemtherein described and which can be employed in the apparatus describedherein operates by producing electromagnetic radiation in imageconfiguration to which the individual photoelectrophoretic particleswithin the suspension'are sensitive. The activating radiation and anelectric field across the imaging suspension combine between twoelectrodes in the imaging area. An electrode referred to as thetransparent injecting electrode is maintained electrically positiverelative to imaging electrodes interfacing with it at the imaging areaacross the photosensitive suspension. Therefore, particles within thesuspension that are negatively charged will be attracted to therelatively positive, transparent injecting electrode.

The injecting electrode is so named because it is thought to injectelectrical charges into activated photosensitive particles duringimaging. The term photosensitive for the purposes of this inventionrefers to the property of a particle which, once attracted to theinjecting electrode, will alter its polarity and migrate away from theelectrode under the influence of an applied electric field when exposedto activating electromagnetic radiation. The term "suspension" may bedefined as a system having solid particles dispersed in a solid, liquidor gas. Nevertheless, the suspension used in the embodiment of thisinvention described herein is of the general type having a solidsuspended in a liquid carrier. The term imaging electrode is used todescribe that electrode which interfaces with the injecting electrodethrough the suspension and which once contacted by activatedphotosensitive particles will not inject sufiieient charge into them tocause them to migrate from the imaging electrode surface. The imagingzone or imaging area is that zone between two electrodes wherephotoelectrophoretic imaging occurs.

The particles within the suspension are generally insulating when notstruck by activating radiation within their spectral response curve. Thenegative particles come into contact with or are closely adjacent to theinjecting electrode and remain in that position under the influence ofthe applied electric field until they are exposed to activatingelectromagnetic radiation. The particles nearthe surface of theinjecting electrode make up the potential imaging particles for the fnal image to be reproduced thereon. When activating radiation strikesthe particles, it makes them conductive creating an electrical junctionof charge carriers which may be considered mobile in nature. Thenegative charge carriers of the electrical junction orient themselvestoward the positive injecting electrode while the positive chargecarriers move .toward the imaging electrode. The negative chargecarriers near the particle-electrode interface at the injectingelectrode can move across the short distance between the particle andthe surface of the electrode leaving the particle with a net positivecharge. These polarity altered, net positively charged particles are nowrepelled away from the positive surface of the injecting electrode andare attracted to the negative surface of the imaging electrode.Accordingly, the particles struck by activating radiation of awavelength with which they are sensitive, i.e., a wavelength which willcause the formation of an electrical junction within the particles, moveaway from the injecting electrode to the imaging electrode leavingbehind only particles which are not exposed to sufficient electromagnetradiation in their responsive range to undergo this change.

Consequently, if all the particles in the system are sensitive to onewavelength of light or another and the system is exposed to an imagewith that wavelength of light, a positive image will be formed on thesurface of the injecting electrode by the subtraction of bound particlesfrom its surface leaving behind particles in the unexposed areas only.The polarities on the system can be reversed and imaging will occur. Thesystem may be operated with dispersions of particles which initiallytake on a net positive charge or a net negative charge.

The imaging suspension may contain one, two, three or more differentparticles of various colors having various ranges of spectral response.In a monochromatic system the particles included in the suspension maybe of any color and produce any color and the particle spectral responseis relatively immaterial as long as there is a response in some regionof the spectrum which can be matched by a convenient radiation exposuresource. In polychromatic systems the particles may be selected so thatparticles of different colors respond to different wavelengths Forphotoelectrophoretic imaging to occur, these steps (not necessarilylisted in the sequence that they occur) take place: (1) migration of theparticles toward the injecting electrode due to the influence of thefield, (2) the generation of charge carriers within the particles whenstruck with activating radiation, (3) particle deposition on or near theinjecting electrode surface (4) phenomena associated with the forming ofan electrical junction between the particles and the injectingelectrode, (5) particle charge exchange with the injecting electrode,(6) electrophoretic migration toward the imaging electrode, and (7)particle deposition on the imaging electrode. This leaves a positiveimage on the injecting electrode.

After the image is formed on the injecting electrode the electrode maybe brought into interface with a transfer member which has a chargepolarity opposite to that of the imaging electrode. The injectingelectrode is now maintained negative relative to the transfer member.The particles having a net negative charge will be attracted to therelatively positive transfer member. If a support material is interposedbetween the transfer member and the particle image, the particles willbe attracted to the support material.

formed on any support material.-

THE MACHINE COMPONENTS Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodimentfor an automated machine to produce images according to theaforementioned process is shown. An injecting electrode 1 forms aportion of a transparent cylinder member held in a housing 2 and isjournaled for rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow about ashaft 3. The injecting electrode 1 is made up of a layer of opticallytransparent glass 4 overcoated with a thin optically transparent layer 5of tin oxide or other electrically conducting material. A particularmaterial suitable for this electrode is available under the name of NESAglass manufactured by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, Pittsburgh, Pa.The injecting electrode 1 is formed as a portion of a cylinder housedwithin the metal housing frame 2. The machine shown schematically inFIG. 1 is positioned where the injecting electrode cylinder portion isabout to be rotated in a predetermined path to a cleaning stationlabeled A whereat a plurality of cleaning members such as belts 6, 7 and8 contact the conductive surface 5 of the injecting electrode. On theopposite side of the injecting electrode held stationary the machineframe are lamps 9, 10 and 11 juxtaposed to the belts 6,7 and 8respectively. When activated, the lamps send flood light illuminationthrough the transparent injecting electrode at the contact areas betweenthe electrode and the cleaning belts. Each of the belts are activated byone of the cylinders 12, 13 and 14 to contact the injecting electrode 1.These cylinders operate to press the belts against the conductivesurface of the injecting electrode in order to clean it.

The next station in the path of movement of the injecting electrode isthe inking and imaging station B.

Here, electrode 16 contacts the conductive surface 5 of the injectingelectrode 1.

The optical system at station C projects an image to the imaging zone'between the electrodes 1 and 16 at station B. The optical system has alamp carriage 17 journaled at an axis 18 to oscillate in a pathindicated by the arrows. A document 20 is positioned at the platen 19.The lamps are shown at the start of scan position and as the injectingelectrode 1 passes through the imaging area at station B the lamps moveacross the platen l9 projecting an image at station B through suitablemirrors 21-23, a lens 24 and the transparent electrode 1. The scan issynchronized with the movement of the injecting electrode to project aflowing image in registration with the first projection and moving atthe same rate as is the surface 5 at the imaging zone. 1

The imaging electrode roller 16 moves in rolling interface relation withthe conductive surface 5 of the injecting electrode 1 and functions bothto supply suspension to the injecting electrode and to image thatsuspension between .the injecting electrode surface 5 and the surface ofthe electrode 16.

The injecting electrode 1 then passes into the transfer station D. Atstation D is a transfer roller 40. A

sheet of support material held in the supply tray 41 is lifted therefromand is carried through a vacuum transport 42 to the transfer roller 40.It is gripped by a gripper mechanism 43- on the transfer roller 40 androtated to the injecting electrode 1 passing at station D. Before thesheet 44 contacts the surface 5 of the injecting electrode 1 it ismoistened witha liquid that will aid in transferring the particles ofthe suspension on the surface 5. .The wetting is accomplished by awetting bar 45 rotated in a pool of suitable wetting material heldwithin a tank 46. The transfer member 40 rotates the support material 44in rolling contact with the surface 5 of the injecting electrode 1 underthe influence of a suitable electric field causing the particles formingthe image on the injecting electrode to be transferred to the supportmaterial. The support material is removed from the transfer member bypicker fingers 47 and a release mechanism on the grippers. Next it-iscarried on a vacuum transport 48 to a suitable receptacle.

IMAGING ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY The image forming process occurs in theimaging zone at station B at the intersection between the injectingelectrode 1 and the imaging electrode 16. It is here that thephotoelectrophoretic particles are brought between the injecting andimaging electrodes for processing under an applied field and imageradiation coming from the optical system at the station C.

Within the imaging electrode tank is the imaging electrode 16 mounted onits shaft 216 fastened at each end of the first imaging tank through endcaps 217 and 218 fitted into the tank side walls 219 and 220respectively. The imaging tank 26 in this embodiment is broken intothree sections. The cleaning section houses a portion of the imagingelectrode 16 and mechanisms to clean its surface and is bounded by thebottom plate 223, the end plate 221 and the tank splitting wall 222. Thesuspension application section used for application of suspension to theimaging electrode 16 is bounded by the tank splitting wall 222 and theend wall 224 and the bottom plate 223. The mount section of the imagingelectrode tank is open andadapted for maintaining some of the motors andsolenoids necessary for the operation of the unit.

Located in the applicator portion of the imaging electrode tank are themechanisms necessary to form a layer of suspension on-the imagingelectrode 16 for imaging atthe imaging zone. There are two suspensionssupplying brushes 225 and 226 to carry suspension from the bottom of theapplicator portion of the tank 26 in which they are located to thesurface of the imaging electrode 16. The brushes are mounted on asupport 227 having two arms 228 and 229 into which the shafts 230 and231 of the two applicator brushes are mounted. The shafts mount into thearms through four bearings 232-235 and four collars such as collar 236holding the shaft 230 onto the arm' 228 through the bearing 233.

In order to ensure that a smooth layer of suspension reaches theintersection of the imaging electrode with the injecting electrode, asmoothing rod such as a wound wire rod 237 is made to be moved intocontact with the imaging electrode 16. The rod can be grooved, smooth,knurled or have any surface for passing a uniform thin layer ofsuspension. The smoothing rod is mounted by two support arms 238 and 239into the side walls 219 and 220 of the imaging electrode tank. It mountsthereat through bearings 241 and 242 and. extends through the tank wall219 into a crank arm 243 fixedly mounted on it. The shaft 240 ispreferably a torque tube so that when it rotates the smoothing rod 237to interface with the imaging electrode 16 the force is uniform acrossits length.

Within the cleaning portion of the imaging electrode tank is a cleaningbrush 245 which is rotated in interfacing relation withthe imagingelectrode surface 244 of the imaging electrode 16. Inplace of the brush245 another cleaning member such as disclosed in copending applicationSer. No. 876,8l7, filed Nov. 12, l969in the names of Christian 0. Abreu,John S. Bernhard and Henry T. Chiavaroli and entitled cleaning apparatuscould be substituted. The surface 244 is made of a material whichprevents charge injection to sufficient particles to cause migration tothe injecting electrode after they are struck with activating radiation.The material can be baryta paper or Tedlar, a polyvinyl fluoride orother suitable materials. It should have a resistivity of at least 10ohm-cm. In order to clean excess liquid and particles off the cleaningbrush 245, two scraper blades 246 and 247 contact the cleaning brush245. To remove all residual fluids and particles from the surface 244 ofthe imaging roller 16, a squeegee 248 is mounted on a bracket 249. Astand pipe 250 is maintained within the cleaning section of the imagingelectrode tank to remove excess liquids before they can spill over thetank splitting wall 222 and contaminate the applicator section of thesystem.

The remaining section of the imaging electrode tank maintains motors andsolenoids for operation of the various components during the imagingcycle.

The imaging electrode tank 26 is raised up from its neutral downwardposition by the cylinder 25 connected through a clevis mount to a crankarm 268 which is fixably attached to a shaft 269 maintaining eccentrics270 thereon.

- The imaging electrode tank 26. being moved by the operation'of thecylinder in cooperation with the eccentrics 270 is maintained forbalance on a second eccentric fastened on a shaft 271 also located underthe imaging electrode tank 26. When the cylinder 25 is operated itrotates the shaft 269 through the crank arm 268. Besides lifting thetank on the eccentrics 270, a chain 272 over a sprocket 273 mounted onthe shaft 269 drives another sprocket 274 rotating the shaft 271 witheccentrics thereon. This double shaft-eccentric arrangement isbeneficial since the tank contains heavy equipment at the oneend,namely, the imaging electrode and its associated apparatus, heavyequipment on the other end including various solenoids and motors. It isimportant to keep the tank balanced to prevent spillage of materialsheld within the tank and to ensure proper contact between the imagingelectrode and the injecting electrode.

The various apparatus associated with the electrode is operated by useof solenoids although any suitable mechanisms such as pneumatics,hydraulics, electrical or mechanical means may be used to function in amanner similar to the functioning described with the apparatus shown inthis embodiment.

When the suspension is applied to the imaging electrode 16, theapplicator brushes 225 and 226 are rotated so that the brush 225interfaces with the surface 244 of the imaging electrode 16. This isaccomplished by using a solenoid SOL-A, through suitable linkage 281, toturn the crank arm 282. The crank arm is positioned to strike a stopmechanism 283 located to provide proper interference between theapplicator brush 225 and the imaging electrode surface 244. A tensionspring 284 maintains the proper positioning of the rollers when they aremoved into the suspension application location. When the crank arm 282is positioned for suspension application, it rotates the arm extension285 rotating the brush support 227 and the applicator roller 225maintained thereon. Since both of the applicator rolls 225 and 226 aremaintained in bearing contact with the support arms 228 and 229, theyare free to rotate independently of the positioning of the support 227.The motor 286 rotates the applicator roller 226 through a drive chain287 and a sprocket 288 fixably mounted on a shaft extension of the shaft231. The second applicator roller 225 is driven by a chain throughsprockets 289 and 290. The applicator roller assembly is locatedwithinthe tank 26 by locating plugs 291 and 292. The plugs are sealed by seals293 and 294 to prevent leakage of suspension maintained within the lowerportion of the imaging electrode tank 26.

The smoothing rod 237 interacts with the surface 244 of the imagingelectrode 16 by a solenoid SOL-B which through linkage 295 turns thecrank arm 243 against a stop 296. A spring 297 anchored to an anchor pin298 sets the spacing of the smoothing rod against the imaging electrodesurface by holding the crank arm 243 against the stop 296. The smoothingrod 237 and the torque tube 240 which rotates it into position aremetallic and electrically conductive. A bias clip 501 connects thetorque tube to the shaft 216 of the imaging electrode 16 maintainingboth and the smoothing rod at generally the same electrical potential.

The required electric potential is supplied through an electricalconnector 503 and electrical contact brushes 504 which contact the shaft216 of the imaging electrode. (The electrical source is not shown butshould be sufficient to generate between roughly 300v. and 5000v. at thesurface of the imagingelectrode when it interfaces with the injectingelectrode.) A bias clip 505 extends from the shaft 506 of the cleaningbrush 245 to the shaft 216 of the imaging electrode giving it the samegeneral potential as the imaging electrode.

The cleaning brush 245, unlike the suspension applicator apparatusaround the imaging electrode 16 is constantly contacting'the surface 244thereof. In a like manner so is the squeegee 248 heldin the bracket 249.The cleaning brush is rotated by means of a motor 507 which through adriving sprocket 508 rotates a chain 509 to drive the sprocket 510 onthe shaft of the clean-- of the previous figures. Here, the tank 540 hasthree,

operative sections: section 541 for applying ink; section 542 forcleaning the surface of the electrode 16 housed within the tank 540; andsection 543 for'wetting the electrode for a second imaging pass withinthe imagin cycle.

In the inking section of the tank 541 has a sump portion holding theimaging suspension 545 and having a drain 546 in the bottom thereof. Atransport roll 547 is immersed in the sump portion of the tank section541 to pick up imaging suspension as it rotates. In rotatinginterference with the transport roll 547 is an applicator roll 548 whichis adapted to interface with the surface of the electrode 16 when thesuspension application section of the apparatus is energized. Both rolls547 and 548 are shafted for rotation in the same bracket 548 at a fixedinterference with each other so that the imaging suspension brought fromthe sump portion by the transport roll 547 is placed on and transportedby the applicator roll 548 for contact with the electrode 16.

The smoothing roller 550 although shown to be physically housed withinthe wetting section 543 of the tank 540 is functionally part of thesuspension applicator system within the tank section 541. This rodfunctions in the same manner as the smoothing rod 237 shown in FIG. 3.Although schematically represented as a roll 550 on a shaft 551 it isfunctionally and structurally the same as the smoothing rod 237 on abracket 238 and a shaft 240 as shown in FIG. 3.

The cleanup section 542 of the tank 540 functions in a manner like thecleanup brush 245 section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3. A cleaningbrush 552 acquires cleaning materials 553 via an intermediate roll 554journaled for rotation to extend within the sump portion f llable withthe cleaning material 553 and in an interference contact with thecleaning brush 552. A drain 555 is provided in the sump portion of thecleaning section 542 to permit draining of the cleaning solution heldtherein. A wiper blade 556's'eparates the cleaningv station from theinking station as does the blade 248 in FIG. 3. This prevents anymaterials accumulated on the electrode 16 from passing into theapplication or wetting tank sections.

The wetting section is used to supply carrier material to the electrodefor a second pass of the injecting electrode during the imaging cycle.It has been found that this enhances the image formed on the injectingelectrode for later transfenThe material used, in the sump portion ofthe wetting section 543 is generally the same as the carrier material ofthe imaging suspension. Here an applicator roll 557 is positioned to dipinto the sump portion holding the carrier material and to rotate withsome liquid on it for interfacing with the electrode 16. The electrode16 then carries the liquid to the-imaging zone between itself and theinjecting electrode.

Each of the rollers shown with a sectioned shaft portion are driven bymotors or other drive means not shown in these figures but similar tothose of FIG. driving comparable parts in FIG. 3. The wetting roller 557would be driven in a manner similar to the cleanup roll 245 of FIG. 3.The wetting roll 557 is journaled in a bracket 558 which is mounted forrotation about a shaft 559 so that the wetting roll 557 may be 'made tocontact the electrode 16 as its function is desired.

1 plicator roll 557 into and out of interface with the sur- Theengagement of the various associated parts and apparatus with theelectrode shown in FIG. 7 is accomplished by the use of the solenoidsshown in FIG. 8.

However, any suitable mechanism such as pneumatics,-

' process in which the instant apparatus functions. The

sequential actuation of the solenoids are accomplished by means wellknown in the art.

When the suspension is to be applied to the imaging electrode 16 by therotating applicator brush 548 within the inking section 541 of the tank540, the solenoid SOL-D pulls linkage arms 560 and 561 in the directionindicated. This pushes the bracket 549 upwards causing interferencebetween the applicator roll 548 and the surface of the blockingelectrode 16. The crank arm 561 strikes the preset stop mechanism 562which determines the proper interference between the applicator roll 548and the imaging electrode surface while a tension spring 563 maintainsthis position. The crank arm 651 attaches to a shaft 563 which pivotsthe ink applicator mechanism as shown in FIG. 7 for interference orremoval from the surface of the imaging electrode 16. The shaft 563 ispositioned by locating plugs 564 in both ends of the tank 540.

The smoothing rod 550 interfaces with the imaging electrode 16 by actionof the solenoid SOL-E through a linkage 565 which rotates the crank arm566 against a set stop 567. This along with tension spring 568,positions the smoothing rod the proper distance from the surface of theimaging electrode 16. The smoothing rod mechanism is the same as isshown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 and operates in a manner described in relationto those figures.

The solenoid SOL-F operates the linkage 569 to rotate a crank arm 570against the stop 571 which in cooperation with a tension spring 572rotates the shaft 559 for shuttling the bracket 558 and the wettingapface of the imaging electrode 16. As with the other embodiment of thisinvention, the cleaning brush is continuously in contact withthe-surface of the imaging electrode 16 whether that surface is beinginked or supplied with a fluid for the second imaging pass of theinjecting electrode. The cleaning brush 552 is positioned by a plug 574in the tank 540 to be at the proper cleaning position with the surfaceof the imaging electrode 16. Likewise, the brush 554 is positioned bythe plug 575to be both immersed in the cleaning fluid 553 and tointerface with the cleaning brush 552.

The cycle operation with which this tank generally functions is suchthat on the first pass of the injecting electrode 1 through the imagingzone between it and the imaging electrode 16, the applicator'roll 548interacts with the imaging electrode 16. This supplies imagingsuspension to the electrode 16. As the electrode passes by the smoothingrod 550, the imaging suspension is smoothed prior to entering theimaging zone. On the second pass of the injecting electrode through theimaging zone, the applicator roll 548 and the smoothing rod 550 havebeen disengaged by operation of the solenoids SOL-D and SOL-Erespectively. The wetting roll 557 interfaces with the surface of theimaging electrode 16 for the second pass of the injecting electrode 1through the imaging zone. Therefore, the solenoid SOL-F is energizedmoving the wetting roller 557 to the surface of the imaging electrode16.

I As the surface continues to rotate through the imaging zone it iscleaned by the continuous action of the cleaning brush 552.

The injecting electrode 1 continues to rotate through the transferstation where the image which has been twice through the imaging zonewith the imaging electrode 16 is transferred to a sheet of supportmaterial. Then the injecting electrode is cleaned at the cleaningstation A.

It is not necessary to move the tank 540 into and out of interferencewith the imaging zone although this may certainly be done. Nevertheless,this tank provides an imaging electrode capable of operating on a two ormore cycle suspension application and background clean-up processwithout having to be moved relative to the interfacing position with theinjecting electrode. Depending on the process steps desired, either theapplicator or wetter functions can be energized in any order of time.

The systems of the apparatus described in the above figures operate onthe principal of a non-recirculating suspension application. That is tosay, that any suspension not used for forming an image is removed fromthe system by action of the cleaning brush 245 and squeegee 248 in FIG.3 or brush 552 and squeegee 556 in FIG. 7. The suspension and any othercontaminants removed from the surface of the imaging electrode by theoperation of the cleaning station is drained and circulated through afilter and then repumped into the cleaning station portion of the tankhousing the various components surrounding the imaging electrode.

The materials supplied to the imaging electrode surface could be solidsas sell as liquids and the matter removed from the surface could be bothwith or without contaminants gathered during imaging.

While this invention has been described with reference to the structuresdisclosed herein and while certain theories have been expressed toexplain the experimentally obtainable results obtained, it is notconfined to the details set forth; and this application is intended tocover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes ofthe improvements or the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus including:

a roller having a movable surface adapted to move through apredeterminedposition;

a tank for supporting said roller for movement therein, said rollerbeing journaled for rotation at a position fixed relative to said tankand said tank having a plurality of sections around a portion of thesurface of the roller including;

a first section having at least one applicator member for periodicallyapplying materials;

actuation means for moving the applicator member periodically into andout of applicating contact with the roller surface during rotation ofthe roller surface;

a second second section having cleaning means to remove matter from theroller surface, and

divider means to separate said first section from said second section insaid tank for preventing communication'of materials between saidsections.-

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said divider means includes a walland a scraper blade thereon for wiping the surface of the roller.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 including driving means to move said roller.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means to remove matter fromsaid roller includes at least two cleaning members positioned within thesecond section of said tank to contact the surface of the roller.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein one of the cleaning members includesa squeegee adjustably positioned within the second section of said tankto contact the surface of said roller. I

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means to remove matter includesmeans to supply liquids into the second section of said tank such thatat least one of said cleaning members extends into said liquid forbringing the liquid into contact with the roller.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means to remove matter ispositioned to continuously contact the surface of the roller.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tank has further associatedtherewith means for moving said tank and said roller therewith such thatsaid roller is moved by said actuation means periodically into and outof the predetermined position during the rotation of the roller surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said member for applying thematerials to the roller includes a sump portion in said first sectionand at least two members having one member being positioned in a portionof said sump portion and another applicator member interfacing with thesurface of the roller at a roller contact position and with the onemember at a position removed therefrom such that materials in said sumpportion are appliable by said members to said roller surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 having further associated therewithsmoothing roller means for moving in rolling interface relationship withsaid roller surface at a position between said applicator member and thepredetermined position such that the smoothing roller means is capableof passing material carried on the roller from said applicator member ata substantially uniform thickness.

1 l. The apparatus of claim 1 including a third section within said tankfor preventing communication of materials therein from other sections ofsaid tank, and having wetting means to contact the roller surface andbeing capable of applying a liquid thereto.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 including second divider means forseparating said third section from said first and second sections withinsaid tank.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said wetting means includes atleast one roller positioned within said third section to contact thesurface of the roller.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 including actuation moving meansoperatively associated with said wetting means to move said wettingmeans into and out of contact'with the rollerduring rotation of theroller surface.

15. Apparatus including:

a tank having a first sump portion capable of contacting liquid and asecond sump portion capable of contacting liquid;

meansto separate said first and second sumps for preventingcommunication between liquids therein; V

a member in said tank above said sumps;

shaft means through said member journaled above said sumps in said tankfor maintaining said member in said tank in fixed position relative tosaid first and second sumps;

first applicator means within said first sump for cyclically interfacingwith said member periodically during movement of the member andextending into said first sump whereby liquid capable of being heldtherein is appliable to said member by said first applicator means;

second applicator means within said second sump for continuouslyinterfacing with said member and extending into said second sump wherebyliquid capable of being held therein is appliable to said member by saidsecond application means; and

means for coupling said member to an electrical source for maintainingan electrical potential on at least the surface of the member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further including drain means in saidsecond sump for removing liquid therefrom.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 further including means to supply liquidto said first sump, and means to 21. The apparatus of claim 15 said tankhaving operatively associated therewith means to shuttle said tank.

22. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first applicator meansincludes means to smooth liquids applied to said member.

23. The apparatus of claim 15 including means to move said firstapplicator means into and out of contact with said member.

24. The apparatus of claim 15 including drive means to rotate saidmember and said shaft.

25. The apparatus of claim 15 including a third sump;

means to separate said third sump from said first and second sumps forpreventing communication among liquids therein, and

third applicator means within said third sump adapted for intermittentcontacting of said member and extending into said third sump wherebyliquid capable of being held in said third sump is appliable to saidmember by said third applicator means.

. 26. An apparatus including:

a roller having a movable surface adapted to move through apredetermined position;

a tank for supporting said roller for movement therein said roller beingjournaled for rotation at a position fixed relative to said tank andsaid tank having a plurality of sections around a portion of the surfaceof the roller including;

a first section having means for periodically applying materials to theroller surface during movement of the surface;

a second section having cleaning means to remove matter from the rollersurface;

a divider means to separate said first section from said second sectionin said tank, and

means within a wall of said tank to couple said roller to an electricalbiasing source capable of maintaining an electric field between theroller and a work station member at the predetermined position.

1. An apparatus including: a roller having a movable surface adapted tomove through a predetermined position; a tank for supporting said rollerfor movement therein, said roller being journaled for rotation at aposition fixed relative to said tank and said tank having a plurality ofsections around a portion of the surface of the roller including; afirst section having at least one applicator member for periodicallyapplying materials; actuation means for moving the applicator memberperiodically into and out of applicating contact with the roller surfaceduring rotation of the roller surface; a second section having cleaningmeans to remove matter from the roller surface, and divider means toseparate said first section from said second section in said tank forpreventing communication of materials between said sections.
 2. THeapparatus of claim 1 wherein said divider means includes a wall and ascraper blade thereon for wiping the surface of the roller.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 including driving means to move said roller.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said means to remove matter from saidroller includes at least two cleaning members positioned within thesecond section of said tank to contact the surface of the roller.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein one of the cleaning members includes asqueegee adjustably positioned within the second section of said tank tocontact the surface of said roller.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 whereinsaid means to remove matter includes means to supply liquids into thesecond section of said tank such that at least one of said cleaningmembers extends into said liquid for bringing the liquid into contactwith the roller.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means toremove matter is positioned to continuously contact the surface of theroller.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tank has furtherassociated therewith means for moving said tank and said rollertherewith such that said roller is moved by said actuation meansperiodically into and out of the predetermined position during therotation of the roller surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidmembers for applying the materials to the roller includes a sump portionin said first section and at least two members having one member beingpositioned in a portion of said sump portion and another applicatormember interfacing with the surface of the roller at a roller contactposition and with the one member at a position removed therefrom suchthat materials in said sump portion are appliable by said members tosaid roller surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 having furtherassociated therewith smoothing roller means for moving in rollinginterface relationship with said roller surface at a position betweensaid applicator member and the predetermined position such that thesmoothing roller means is capable of passing material carried on theroller from said applicator member at a substantially uniform thickness.11. The apparatus of claim 1 including a third section within said tankfor preventing communication of materials therein from other sections ofsaid tank, and having wetting means to contact the roller surface andbeing capable of applying a liquid thereto.
 12. The apparatus of claim11 including second divider means for separating said third section fromsaid first and second sections within said tank.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said wetting means includes at least one rollerpositioned within said third section to contact the surface of theroller.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 including actuation moving meansoperatively associated with said wetting means to move said wettingmeans into and out of contact with the roller during rotation of theroller surface.
 15. Apparatus including: a tank having a first sumpportion capable of contacting liquid and a second sump portion capableof contacting liquid; means to separate said first and second sumps forpreventing communication between liquids therein; a member in said tankabove said sumps; shaft means through said member journaled above saidsumps in said tank for maintaining said member in said tank in fixedposition relative to said first and second sumps; first applicator meanswithin said first sump for cyclically interfacing with said memberperiodically during movement of the member and extending into said firstsump whereby liquid capable of being held therein is appliable to saidmember by said first applicator means; second applicator means withinsaid second sump for continuously interfacing with said member andextending into said second sump whereby liquid capable of being heldtherein is appliable to said member by said second application means;and means for coupling said member to an electrical source formaintaining an elecTrical potential on at least the surface of themember.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 further including drain means insaid second sump for removing liquid therefrom.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 15 further including means to supply liquid to said first sump,and means to supply liquid to said second sump.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 15 said member having further associated therewith wiper means forremoving liquid therefrom after contact of said member by said secondapplicator means.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said wiper meansis attached to said means to separate said first and second sumps. 20.The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said wiper means is positioned abovesaid second sump.
 21. The apparatus of claim 15 said tank havingoperatively associated therewith means to shuttle said tank.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein said first applicator means includes meansto smooth liquids applied to said member.
 23. The apparatus of claim 15including means to move said first applicator means into and out ofcontact with said member.
 24. The apparatus of claim 15 including drivemeans to rotate said member and said shaft.
 25. The apparatus of claim15 including a third sump; means to separate said third sump from saidfirst and second sumps for preventing communication among liquidstherein, and third applicator means within said third sump adapted forintermittent contacting of said member and extending into said thirdsump whereby liquid capable of being held in said third sump isappliable to said member by said third applicator means.
 26. Anapparatus including: a roller having a movable surface adapted to movethrough a predetermined position; a tank for supporting said roller formovement therein said roller being journaled for rotation at a positionfixed relative to said tank and said tank having a plurality of sectionsaround a portion of the surface of the roller including; a first sectionhaving means for periodically applying materials to the roller surfaceduring movement of the surface; a second section having cleaning meansto remove matter from the roller surface; a divider means to separatesaid first section from said second section in said tank, and meanswithin a wall of said tank to couple said roller to an electricalbiasing source capable of maintaining an electric field between theroller and a work station member at the predetermined position.